Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1500
MS M.219 fol. 16r

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Christ: Crucifixion, nailed to Cross -- Christ, wearing crown of thorns and short loin cloth, bleeding from wounds, is affixed to tau cross by two men, including one nailing His right hand with hammer raised in right hand, and the other nailing His feet, with hammer raised in right hand, both kneeling on one knee. A third man holds rope wrapped around Christ's ankles, and around peg in ground at foot of the cross. In background, two men with dice cast lots and three Holy Women walk toward the site of the Crucifixion. Scene in landscape with hills, trees, and distant city.
Miniature enclosed in architectural frame, with putto (?) in pediment, column with Corinthian capital at left, and pilaster with Corinthian capital at right enclosing two figures in niches. The upper figure raises right hand, indicating Christ, and the lower figure, possibly prophet, wearing hat, holds scroll.